Borneo Restaurants

Where and What to Eat in Borneo

Just north of the Equator, Borneo is the planet’s third-largest island and enjoys a thoroughly tropical climate. The region’s range of cuisine varies from province to province. In Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak you’re likely to find a colourful amalgamation of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European fare – hawker centres abound, kopitiam (coffee shops) are the order of the day and fine dining restaurants are an ever-growing specialty.

Meanwhile, in Brunei’s quadrant of the island you’re sure to come across many dining options beyond the petit city centre. Food offerings in the oil-rich emirate are somewhat similar to Malaysia’s choice of fare but specialties include chakoi (bite-sized churro) and cendol (a murky coconut beverage with green and brown jelly bits). Alternatively, Kalimantan’s Indonesian fare has a distinctly Malay flavour – Banjar food is relatively popular and the belauran (night market) stalls often see healthy crowds.